Boarding Up Services in Canterbury (CT1–CT50)

When a window is smashed, a door has been forced, or a shopfront has been damaged, you usually need two things quickly: the property secured and the situation made safe. Boarding Up Canterbury provides professional boarding up services across Canterbury and the wider CT postcode area, with fully insured, DBS-checked technicians and 10+ years of local experience.

If you need urgent help right now, go straight to our emergency boarding up page or Call 01227 953 460. If the job is planned (for example, securing a vacant property), we can book a suitable time and talk you through the best option for the building.

What we mean by “boarding up” (and what it’s for)

Boarding up is a temporary security and weatherproofing measure used after damage, break-ins, or when a property is going to be left unattended. Done properly, it:

  • helps secure property against repeat entry
  • reduces risk of injury from broken glass and loose frames
  • limits exposure to weather (rain, wind, cold)
  • provides a stable, safe barrier until glazing/repairs can be completed

People often search for “board up broken window”, “board up door”, “shopfront boarded up”, or “make safe” when something has happened out of hours. In practice, the right approach depends on the opening size, the condition of the frame, and whether the building will be occupied.

If you’re new to the subject, our guide on what is boarding up explains the basics and when different methods are used.

How our service works (what to expect when you call)

We keep the process simple—especially when you’re dealing with stress after a break-in, vandalism, storm damage, or an accident.

  1. Call and tell us what’s happened
    We’ll ask a few quick questions (property type, what’s damaged, access, whether the site is safe).

  2. We give a realistic ETA
    We don’t promise fixed arrival times because traffic, weather, and existing emergencies vary. We do prioritise urgent “make safe” call-outs and will tell you what we can realistically do on the phone.

  3. Site assessment and safe working
    On arrival, we check the opening, surrounding frame condition, and any hazards (sharp glass, unstable frames, overhead risks). If there’s structural damage beyond boarding, we’ll explain what we can and can’t safely do.

  4. Boarding method and fixings agreed
    We’ll recommend the most secure practical option—often 18mm exterior-grade plywood for standard windows/doors, and 12mm OSB can be appropriate for smaller, lower-risk openings where suitable. We use fixings designed to deter removal from outside (anti-tamper where appropriate), particularly if the property will be unattended.

  5. Documentation for peace of mind (and insurers)
    Where helpful, we can provide:

    • time-stamped photos (before/after)
    • an itemised invoice
    • a brief work statement describing what was secured and how

For claims-related jobs, see our insurance claims guidance—we’re not loss adjusters, but we’ll help with the practical documentation insurers commonly ask for.

Our boarding up services (choose the right solution)

Below are the core services we provide across Canterbury and CT1–CT50. Each service page goes into detail, but this overview should help you choose the right option.

Window boarding (domestic and commercial)

If you’ve had a smashed window (accidental breakage, vandalism, burglary, or storm damage), boarding up prevents injury and reduces the risk of further entry.

Typical scenarios include:

  • ground-floor domestic windows after a break-in
  • side windows at the rear of a property where access is hidden
  • internal communal glazing panels in shared entrances (where permitted by the responsible party)

We focus on a secure fit to the opening and fixing methods that don’t create unnecessary extra damage. If the frame is too compromised for a non-destructive approach, we’ll explain the options before proceeding.

Learn more about window boarding in Canterbury.

Door boarding up (including forced entry damage)

When a door has been kicked in or the lock area has failed, the priority is to board up door openings safely so the building can be left secure.

Depending on the situation, we may:

  • board the door and surrounding panel areas
  • reinforce to reduce leverage points
  • recommend an upgrade to a more robust temporary solution if the property will be vacant

If you’re dealing with post-burglary damage, you may also find our burglary repairs and boarding guidance useful for immediate next steps.

Read more about door boarding in Canterbury.

Shopfront boarding (retail and commercial glazing)

A damaged shopfront can’t usually wait—especially if the premises are on a busy route or will be unoccupied overnight. Shopfront work often involves larger boards, careful positioning to avoid further cracking, and fixings that reduce the risk of tampering.

Common reasons include:

  • impact damage (vehicle strike or accidental collision)
  • vandalism and repeated targeting
  • burglary attempts through glazed entrances

If you need a shopfront boarded up out of hours, we’ll talk you through what to do while you wait (safe distance, isolate hazards, document damage if safe).

See shopfront boarding in Canterbury.

Roof and skylight boarding (weatherproofing and access risks)

Roof-level openings—skylights, rooflights, and damaged roof decking—create fast-moving problems: water ingress, heat loss, and escalating internal damage.

Roof work has additional safety considerations. If access isn’t safe (or weather conditions make it unsafe), we’ll be honest about what can be done immediately and what may need additional equipment or follow-on trades.

Read about roof boarding in Canterbury.

Temporary fencing (site perimeter security)

When the issue isn’t just a window or door—such as a damaged boundary, exposed rear access, or a building site needing extra control—temporary fencing can reduce unauthorised access while repairs are arranged.

This is often useful after:

  • an accident involving boundary walls or gates
  • repeated access issues at the rear of a property
  • securing a wider perimeter while openings are being repaired

Learn more about temporary fencing.

Options for vacant or high-risk properties: steel doors and security screens

Boarding is often the right short-term answer. But if a property is going to be empty for weeks (probate, between tenancies, refurbishment), it can make sense to consider a tougher, longer-term approach.

  • Temporary steel doors: a robust, re-usable door solution that improves access control while maintaining a secure entrance.
  • Steel security screens: designed for longer-term protection of openings on vacant buildings where repeat attempts are a concern.

If you’re responsible for an empty building, our vacant property boarding up page explains the considerations, including managing access for contractors and insurers.

When to choose boarding up vs. repair (and what we can’t do)

Boarding up is about making safe and securing the opening. It’s not a full repair or reinstatement service.

You may still need:

  • glazing replacement
  • locksmith work
  • frame repairs or joinery
  • fire/smoke restoration (specialist service)

After a fire, for example, our role is to secure the property and reduce the risk of unauthorised entry—see fire damage securing and boarding. We don’t provide smoke/odour remediation, but we can help stabilise the site and provide documentation for your insurer.

Real-world materials and methods (what “good boarding” looks like)

Not all boarding is equal. The goal is to deter entry, reduce hazards, and protect the building without creating avoidable extra damage.

What we commonly use and why:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for strength and durability on larger openings
  • 12mm OSB may be suitable for smaller openings and lower-risk areas where appropriate
  • Anti-tamper fixings where needed to prevent removal from outside—important if the building will be unattended
  • Fixing approaches that suit the substrate (masonry, timber frame, commercial surrounds)

Every opening is different. A cleanly broken pane in a sound frame may allow a neat, secure board. A forced entry where the frame is split may require a different fixing method, and we’ll explain that before work starts.

Who we work with (and the kinds of properties we secure)

We regularly support:

  • homeowners and tenants
  • landlords and letting agents
  • shop owners and facilities managers
  • contractors and site managers

And we secure:

Coverage across Canterbury and the CT postcode area

We cover Canterbury and the wider CT region (CT1–CT50). If you’re looking for local help, you can also view our areas we cover or visit one of our nearby pages:

If you’re not sure whether you fall within our coverage, call and we’ll confirm over the phone.

Service FAQs (quick answers)

Do you offer 24/7 boarding up in Canterbury?

We prioritise urgent call-outs and can help out of hours. Because conditions vary, we’ll give you a realistic ETA when you call. For urgent help, use our 24/7 emergency boarding up page or call 01227 953 460.

Can you board up a broken window tonight?

Often, yes—especially when it’s a safety or security risk. If the scene isn’t safe (loose masonry, unstable frames, or police restrictions), we’ll advise you on the safest next step and attend when it’s safe to proceed.

Will boarding up damage my window frame or brickwork?

We aim to minimise additional damage and use appropriate fixings for the surface. If the surrounding structure is already compromised, we’ll explain what’s possible and what trade-offs exist before starting.

Do you provide paperwork for insurance?

Yes. We can provide an itemised invoice and supporting photos/work notes where needed. For more detail, see insurance claims support.

Is boarding up a short-term or long-term solution?

Boarding is usually temporary. If the property will be empty for a longer period, we may recommend a more robust approach (such as a temporary steel door or security screening) depending on risk and access needs.

What if the damage happened during a burglary or vandalism?

Keep your crime reference number (if applicable) and take photos if it’s safe. Then call us to secure the opening. You can read more about vandalism repair and boarding and post-burglary boarding.

Ready to secure your property?

Whether you need emergency boarding up, temporary boarding after a smashed window, or planned security for a vacant building, we’ll talk you through the safest, most practical option.

Ready to get started? Call 01227 953 460 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.